This is a discussion on Number at the table within the online poker forums, in the Learning Poker section; If you are just playing cash tables casually rather than tournaments then I am thinking the odds are better the fewer players you face.
Is it

If you are just playing cash tables casually rather than tournaments then I am thinking the odds are better the fewer players you face.

Is it worth looking for tables with fewer players?

Some places offer tables of 5 or 10 but why would you choose 10 if you can choose 5?

Because 6-max requires other play compared to 9 or 10-max.
For example at 6-max the range of hands you play should be wider.
Some players do not feel comfortable widening their range and so stick to 9 or 10-max tables.

There's also HU tables, so why stick to full ring when you can play against 1 opponent only ?

Well, the less players at a table, the faster the game goes, which need adjustments in the way you play.

So some players prefer full ring, others prefer less opponents.
It's up to you to find out where you feel the most comfortable.

#3

September 28th, 2017, 1:44 PM

mojorising

Posts: 97

I guess the question I am asking is for pure cash returns is there a numerical advantage in sticking to the smallest table available?

(and adjusting your game accordingly if necessary)

#4

September 28th, 2017, 2:24 PM

10058765

Online Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: Mixed

Posts: 7,062

re: Poker & Number at the table

Originally Posted by mojorising

I guess the question I am asking is for pure cash returns is there a numerical advantage in sticking to the smallest table available?

(and adjusting your game accordingly if necessary)

Not really sure I understand your question well, but to maximize your cash return you have to play the format you prefer (are best at) at the number of tables you prefer.

#5

September 28th, 2017, 4:56 PM

thatguy6793

Poker at: ACR

Game: holdem

Posts: 925

Originally Posted by mojorising

I guess the question I am asking is for pure cash returns is there a numerical advantage in sticking to the smallest table available?

(and adjusting your game accordingly if necessary)

If less people are at the table the blinds will come around more often so if you're not playing as often you actually could loss more money from the blinds then you win from the hands you play, thus the wider ranges. Also, pots are generally going to be smaller at these tables since usually less players will be in any given hand. The only real numerical advantage I can see is that since there's less people there less of a chance someone got dealt a better hand than you or will hit a random straight/flush with bad limping hands. If you really want to maximize your winning though you should play on the full ring tables (especially those with high pots and high P/F) because you'll have more non blind hands (7 vs. 4) which lets you play a more select range of hands and play more on position and it means you're playing at tables with fish that overpay there hands (at the 6-max tables the high P/F is due to the wider ranges meaning actually you have more of a chance of being beat by something that normally wouldn't be in a given players range). But that all is just my two-cents it's your choice where you feel most comfortable playing at.

#6

September 28th, 2017, 5:27 PM

Andrei Korolev

Online Poker at: Poker Stars

Posts: 2,675

For me it does not matter,but prefer with the maximum number of seats...

#7

September 28th, 2017, 5:38 PM

mojorising

Posts: 97

^^Less players means you expand your range and play most hands (more than 50%)

So there is less time twiddling your thumbs spectating.

From a potential earnings per hour basis I think their must be some advantage here if you are restricted to one table.

I guess you guys talk about playing multiple tables since you are folding 80% of your hands against 9 players and can then afford to cover more than one table from a time perspective?

If you are heads up I guess you are 100% involved in every hand so one table is enough.

#8

September 28th, 2017, 5:59 PM

redmast

Posts: 928

re: Poker & Number at the table

I prefer to play at tables with 9 or 10 players. I feel more confident here. A table with 6 players I avoid. 1 on 1 I do not play at all. But I can play small tables if I get into tournaments for the last table.

#9

September 28th, 2017, 8:43 PM

diadiavalik

Poker at: Unibet Poker

Game: holdem

Posts: 650

A table for 10 players increases winnings for one game, but due to the fact that many players need to wait for the card, and a table for 5 players reduces your losses from weak cards, and, of course, a different style of play.

#10

September 29th, 2017, 2:19 AM

eberetta1

Online Poker at: Intertops

Game: Omaha Hi/Lo

Posts: 1,404

Just numerically, if I am playing a 2 person table, i should win half the hands. If I play a 10 percent table, I would win about 10 percent of the time. Do you want to win half the time or 10 percent of your time. If you want to gamble, the lesser people tables might be more thrilling. If you are looking for something to just let hours and hours go by, a bigger table may be more your style.

#11

September 29th, 2017, 5:14 PM

Clasher

Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: Holdem

Posts: 360

Im comfortable with 6-max too..

#12

September 29th, 2017, 7:51 PM

Running Nose II

Online Poker at: acr/bcp

Game: holdem

Posts: 572

re: Poker & Number at the table

As far as the money aspect goes, it's swings and roundabouts. A six seat table is faster and you will be dealt more hands, but the pots can be smaller. A nine seat table is slower but the compensation is that pots can be large. Myself, I orefer six seat tables because it's faster.